CAMPING GUIDE TO LEADVILLE & TWIN LAKES, CO

Ready for a night under the stars? This guide to camping in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, can help you make the most of your trip.


WHERE TO CAMP

>>Campgrounds: Explore the campgrounds near Leadville and Twin Lakes, Some are by reservation only, and some are first-come, first served.


>>Huts: Book a hut for your family. While huts usually allow you to share

the experience with other parties, this year is different. Weston Pass Hut is open for you to book the entire hut. The 10th Mountain Division Huts offer only single-party reservations this summer.


>>Yurts: For a unique experience, camp in a yurt. The rustic Leadville Backcountry Yurts are set high in the Mosquito Range. The Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts provide a more luxurious experience complete with optional room service, and you hike a mile through the forest to reach them.


>>Camp in the WoodsDispersed camping is allowed in the area, but please be prepared for record numbers of campers. Arrive early to find a spot. Please note there is no camping, and no parking on beaches, on the Southeast side of the dam at Twin Lakes.


CAMPFIRES

Please always check current fire restrictions before you light a fire. Campfires are never allowed on the beaches on the Southeast side of the Twin Lakes dam. Learn how to have safe and responsible campfires. Thank you for helping protect our forests and homes.



WHERE TO EAT

As you come through our genuine mountain towns, stop in and grab a bite to eat at a delicious restaurant. Order up pizza, Mexican favorites, American food, and more. Pick up a growler or two of brewed-in-Leadville beers from Two Mile Brewing Co. for your campfire fun.


GEAR AND SUPPLIES

Find camping supplies at Leadville OutdoorsSaturday’s Mercantile, and the Twin Lakes General Store.


OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Will a bike, canoe, or standup paddleboard make your camping trip complete? Find out with local bike rentals and canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals.


OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

You’ll find the highest outdoors fun in Leadville and Twin Lakes. See where to hikebike, and fish. Ride the Leadville train. Fly on the Top of the Rockies zipline. Play golf at North America’s highest course, where your ball flies farther in the thin air. Hone your fishing skills with a fly fishing guide. Ride horseback or take a stagecoach rideRent a UTV for off-road fun. Bring a skateboard and check out the Leadville skatepark.


RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES

Sitting out a rainy Colorado afternoon? Head to museums and history tours in Leadville. Don’t miss the museums:


Take a self-guided historic walking tour of downtown Leadville or Twin Lakes village or a guided cemetery, ghost, or safari tour in Leadville.


Then go shopping in Leadville and Twin Lakes for local art, antiques, clothing, souvenirs, and much more.


CARE FOR COLORADO!

Please always


And please take our Adventure by Nature Pledge.


Get Colo-Ready with these 7 Care for Colorado Principles:

Thank you for helping to protect our forests and homes! We look forward to welcoming you to Leadville and Twin Lakes!

February 20, 2025
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
February 20, 2025
If you love deep snow, bluebird skies, and zero lift lines, the first two weeks of March in Leadville and Twin Lakes are calling your name. While other Colorado ski towns are packed this time of year, this high-altitude haven stays refreshingly quiet—meaning more powder, more solitude, and more space to explore safely. Whether you’re carving fresh turns at Ski Cooper, venturing into the pristine backcountry, or enjoying a peaceful après-ski with no wait at the bar, this is your chance to experience winter without the chaos.  But with all that extra room comes extra responsibility—so before you head into the untouched snow, let’s talk backcountry safety tips.
February 5, 2025
GIDDY UP! March 1-2, 2025 Every winter, Leadville transforms into a high-octane winter wonderland with the annual Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend . This two-day event is packed with adrenaline-pumping sports, winter races, and community fun. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a unique winter experience, Leadville is the place to be! This weekend always draws a crowd! Book a place to stay today .
February 5, 2025
In Leadville and Twin Lakes, we want to help you fall head over heels (hopefully not literally) with winter in the mountains. Whether you’re exploring solo, surrounded by family and friends, or with your special someone, come to Leadville-Twin Lakes to spark or rekindle your love of winter.
February 5, 2025
Ah, February. That special time of year when you can’t remember what it feels like to be warm outdoors and spring is still oh so far away. It’s the worst, right?  At Leadville and Twin Lakes, we invite you to turn that February frown upside down and experience how amazing winter in Colorado can be (yes, even in February).
January 2, 2025
Fun in the Snow at Ski Cooper If you're searching for an authentic mountain experience filled with fun in the snow, Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, is your perfect winter destination. Here's why this hidden gem stands out among Colorado's ski areas.
January 2, 2025
Fat biking has surged in popularity over the past decade, and nowhere is this more evident than in Leadville. With stunning mountain landscapes and groomed winter trails, Leadville has become a premier destination for fat biking enthusiasts. Its growing reputation helped bring the Fat Bike World Championships back to Colorado in 2024. This year, the event is staying in Colorado for a second year in a row, returning to Crested Butte (where it all started), marking its 10th anniversary. 
January 2, 2025
Hello outdoor adventurers! Winter fun in Leadville and Twin Lakes starts with knowledge and preparation—let’s make your adventures safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
December 23, 2024
While Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado, is known for abundant winter activities, it also offers plenty of great things to do inside. When you need a winter warmup, explore these off-the-beaten-path indoors options!
December 22, 2024
This year, be sure to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado ! Here at the top of the Rockies, you’ll find a wide breadth of things to do outdoors and in our genuine and historic downtowns. While the list of possibilities is nearly endless, here are our top 12 reasons to visit in 2025!
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